Bid For The Environment at

WWF’s Greener at 50 Auction

As part of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) global network’s 50^th Anniversary, WWF-Philippines held the launch of Greener at 50 fundraising online auction. The event launched the Greener at 50 fundraising online auction, in partnership with E-bay Philippines, for the benefit of WWF-Philippines’ environmental sustainability projects all over the country.

You can find the Ebay online auction with some really cool and unique items up for bids here -  www.ebay.ph/wwfgreenerat50

“Much work remains to be done. Come now, and take this journey with us. From vulnerability to viability; from coral reefs, through climate change, to competitiveness; from sea turtles, through supply chains, to sustainability, take action make a bid for the Planet’s future, your future,” said WWF-Philippines CEO and Vice Chair Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan.

Guests were also able to experience a live auction but this time using seeds as money! The seeds that were collected will be planted (in different conservation areas) as part of WWF’s environmental efforts. Winners got to bring home photos taken personally by WWF-Philippines CEO and Vice Chair Lory Tan and by celebrity and influential photographer, Sara Black. They also got to bid on a trip to Hamilo Coast, one of WWF-Philippines’ conservation sites in the country.

The Greener at 50 auction will be continued online via E-bay Philippines. Limited edition items from famous celebrities and personalities classified under fashion, music, food, arts, sports and once-in-a-lifetime WWF-led adventures will be up for grabs.

Items range from photographs, to music memorabilia, stylish clothes, paintings and even exclusive trainings from different experts. Get to visit exclusive WWF sites and discover nature from a different perspective.

“Unlike other charity auctions, the organization’s Greener at 50 auction is geared to making people realize that everything is connected. The categories we’ve offered are different from one another and despite this, we learn that everything still goes back to nature,” said Marie Bretaña, WWF-Philippines Individual Donor Program Online Officer.

“Another unique thing about this initiative is that we are offering immersive trips to our program sites, something that has never been done before,” she added.

Those interested to participate in the Greener at 50 online auction can visit www.ebay.ph/wwfgreenerat50 to start bidding! WWF-Philippines will use the donations to turn individual efforts into collective actions as we look forward to more years of protecting and sustaining our living Planet.

Founded in 1961, WWF is the world’s largest and most influential environmental-solutions provider. It has succeeded in its work to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to ensure that in this day through the future, humans coexist in harmony with nature. It is a mission that WWF has never given up on and has only strengthened with the help of local governments, communities, and partners from the business sector.

Be part of the solution. Be an agent of the environment. Bid for the future!

Log on to wwf.org.ph to learn more about WWF-Philippines and like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/WWF.Philippines) for real time updates!

For more information, please contact:

Marie Sonsehrey J. Bretaña

Individual Donor Program Online Officer, WWF-Philippines

mbretana@wwf.org.ph

Sophia Dedace

Communications Officer, WWF-Philippines

sdedace@wwf.org.ph

You can find the Ebay online auction with some really cool and unique items up for bids here -  www.ebay.ph/wwfgreenerat50

From the WWF site: WWF-Philippines National Ambassador Rovilson Fernandez interviews DJ Vince Golangco (of WhenInManila.com and Mellow 94.7), one of the auction’s online influencers.

You can find the Ebay online auction with some really cool and unique items up for bids here -  www.ebay.ph/wwfgreenerat50

WWF Auction: Bid for the Environment on Ebay Philippines

When in Manila, no matter how busy we are with our personal lives, may we never forget to take the time and participate in worthwhile activities in order to make a difference and touch people’s lives!

I find joy in sharing. Everybody in my circle knows that fact. I love organizing stuff for people and making efforts to show how special they are but never have I tried volunteering before so when my artist friend Nel Diamond invited me, I didn’t have any 2nd thoughts. I immediately contacted my friends to ask for donations as well. Since the year was about to end, I thought sharing my blessings and making children smile would be the perfect activity to show how grateful I am with all the blessings I got!

meet Nel Diamond

The Paint Their Smile project started last year and was spearheaded by Nel Diamond Paredes. I personally admire this kid a lot because of his genuine heart for charity. When he started his own business (Indefinite Stone) in making hand painted personalized shirts, shoes and bags last year, he thought of putting up an activity for hospital kids so his business would have more direction. I find him to be very unusual because usually, people at his age prefer hanging-out at bars, drinking and busy with their own vices but  him… he prefers to make a difference. He has already organized art exhibits to raise funds for less fortunate kids and even worked a summer job just to raise for funds for them. I’m really impressed that’s why I believe he deserves much support and recognition for being such a great example for all of us. I knew in my heart that this activity would be worth the effort!

Here are the happenings on that wonderful  morning….

how nice it was to see so many volunteers that morning

For our 1st stop, we visited the National Children’s Medical Center

Joining me are my friends Ashyah, Badeth and Frank’s niece Blashnell

I thought it would be a great idea to expose her about charity at a very young age.

I’m glad that she appreciated the activity very much!

just gotta love that smile!

Meet the SMILE Painters!

this is really not an organization but a gathering of friends who are willing to give their time to make kids smile 

For our next stop we visited the Tahan-Tahanan Cancer clinic for children at the East Avenue Medical Center.  The kids there were very nice and friendly!

I’m so glad they loved our gifts

I couldn’t really put into words the wonderful vibe that day!

So many life lessons and realizations…. something which you will never learn inside the classroom.

I’m so thankful that even our friends from AKIBA Cafe gave treats and toys!

I’m so happy for having the opportunity to share this activity with my friends!

Ashyah with Joy

As expected, it turned out to be beyond successful!

We sure painted a lot of smiles that day! I never thought how reaching-out, talking with the kids and parents would have a profound effect on me and my friends. To personally hand them the gifts and connect with them had an indescribable positive effect. As to what Nel said, ” It’s not about the presents but our presence. ”  Somehow in our own little way, we were able to make them forget about their pain even just for a little while because we made them feel that they are not forgotten and very much loved. Now, I truly agree with what Burt Bacharach  is trying to tell us for decades now… “What the world needs now is LOVE.”  I’m certain that God will provide us with more when He sees your genuine desire to share. No matter how hard my trials are as early as now, I know that He is just testing me if I will easily surrender or go for my happiness no matter what.  I’d like to think that I am leveling up. I know that after these trials, I will have a much upgraded armor to face the world stronger. I just need a few cups more of courage and faith…perhaps this is what YOU need too!

ahhhhhhh…… there is really joy in giving and  no matter what they say, LIFE is still great when in Manila!

I would like to thank my generous friends who also sent gifts and treats for the kids!

AKIBA Cafe (serves the best Trifle Teas in the metro!)

Ubales Family (Shiela, Dorris, Raphael and Ruby)

Nino Lantican

Cherylle Catacutan

Leilani Sonza

to my friends who came, Badeth, Ashyah and Blashnell

and of course, to Nel Diamond for organizing this event!

The Paint Their Smile 2.0 Gift Giving Project

We’ll get straight to the point. Our friends in Mindanao need our help and they need it now. 

Just please be sure that you know and trust the agencies, organizations, companies or individuals who claim to want to help the Sendong Victims. 

Two organizations we fully trust are Unicef Philippines and the Philippine Red Cross. Here’s their info below and how you can help the Sendong Victims:

Help Sendong victims through Unicef Philippines:

And go to Unicef Philippines’ website for more info - https://donate.unicef.ph/emergency-donation.php

Help Sendong victims through the Philippine Red Cross:

Cash or Check Donations

Please send cash or check donations to the PRC National Headquarters in Manila. Checks should be made payable to The Philippine Red Cross. We can also arrange for donation pick-up.
 

Bank Deposit

Bank accounts for Donations
Banco De Oro
Peso: 00-453-0018647
Dollar: 10-453-0039482

Bank of the Philippine Islands
Peso: 4991-0036-52
Dollar: 004994-0103-15

Metrobank
Peso: 151-3-041631228
Dollar: 151-2-15100218-2

Philippine National Bank
Peso: 3752 8350 0034
Dollar: 3752 8350 0042

Unionbank of the Philippines
Peso: 1015 4000 0201
Dollar: 1315 4000 0090

All Check/Cash for the account of Philippine Red Cross (Swift Codes)
Banco De Oro
BNORPHMM

Bank of the Philippine Islands
BOPIPHMM

Metrobank
MBTCPHMM

Philippine National Bank
-PNBMPHMM

Unionbank of the Philippines
-UNPHPHMM
 

Through Cebuana Lhuillier

We can now accept donations in any of the 1,500 Cebuana Lhuillier pawnshops nationwide.

For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.

SMS and G-Cash

SMS

Text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

G-Cash
Text DONATE<space>AMOUNT<space>4-digit M-PIN<space>REDCROSS to 2882

You can donate the following denominations:
Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000
Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

Through your generosity, we can stand prepared for disasters. We appreciate your continuous and unwavering support. Thank you.

Email us: fundgeneration@redcross.org.ph

Call Hotline 143
or (+632) 527.0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area
Manila 1018, Philippines
Email: prc@redcross.org.ph

and go to the Philippine Red Cross/ website for more info - http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

Two Organizations You Can Trust for your Donations to Help CDO Typhoon Sendong Victims (Washi)

When In Manila, it’s time to find ways to help our four legged friends and get them off the streets!

I’ve always been a believer that those who are strong should look out for those who are weak. With that said, we people with our opposable thumbs, big brains and all our gadgets, should really find more ways to look out for the pets who have no way of helping or defending themselves.

A drowning feeling always engulfs me whenever I see stay cats or dogs who are abused, hurt, caged, tied up or hungry. Though it may not be feasible to save each and every animal out there, there are ways in which we can save thousands from having the same fate, by neutering and spaying your pets.

The single most important thing that we can do to save cats and dogs from all the suffering and death that their overpopulation causes is to spay and neuter them. Spaying and neutering are routine, affordable surgeries that can prevent thousands of animals from being born, only to suffer and struggle to survive on the streets, be abused by cruel or neglectful people, or be euthanized in animal shelters for lack of a loving home.

Spaying and neutering makes a big difference: Just one unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in only six years. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 370,000 kittens!

Sterilized animals live longer, happier lives. Spaying eliminates the stress and discomfort that females endure during heat periods, eliminates the risk of uterine cancer, and greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Neutering makes males far less likely to roam or fight, prevents testicular cancer, and reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Altered animals are less likely to contract deadly, contagious diseases, such as feline AIDS and feline leukemia, that are spread through bodily fluids.

Anyway, When In Manila will be doing our part by trying to spread more information and educate people about this. Saturdays are now “CATurdays” when we roll out some of the best cat pics from the world wide web, along with some info that can help save animal lives.

For now, remember that spaying and neutering your pets can save thousands!

When In Manila, for further inquiries, you may contact the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, or PAWS, at 4751688, or send an email to philpaws@yahoo.com.

Please spread the word and save animal lives by passing this on.

Please LIKE the new Official PAWS Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pawsphilippines

CONTACT INFO

Philippine Animal Welfare Society PAWS
PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC)
Aurora Blvd., Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights Q.C.
Office Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 10am – 5pm
Closed to the public on Sundays and Holidays
Tel #: 475-1688 (only during ofc hours)
Email: philpaws@yahoo.com

PAWS exists to prevent cruelty, alleviate pain, fear and suffering in animals, and to promote a society based on humane principles.

http://www.paws.org.ph/
http://animaladvocates.multiply.com/
http://www.mefindhome.org/

CATurday Manila Pet Tip of the Day: Save Cats and Dogs from a Horrible Fate

I have to admit that, at first, the prospect of watching a show dedicated to porcelain figurines–the sorts of things that as I child I was always warned not to touch but did so anyway, resulting in not a few accidents–sounded slightly, well, boring.  I love art, but figurines seemed more “home decor” than fine art, and whenever I was in a room full of them I was always seized with a fear of breaking something and then having to pay for it.  Factor in that The Atrium of EDSA Shangri-la Mall is not a small place (it’s where the carousel and the fountain are; in front of Rustan’s and Tiffany & Co.), and that it would be full of Lladro’s different “themes” of figurines, plus another reason I’ll say more about later, and my anxiety levels were just about through the roof.  Still, I went: “One World, One Love” was supposedly a “cultural variety show,” and while I don’t have much enthusiasm for breakables, variety shows appeal to me.  Cultural ones, for this girl who once wanted to be a diplomat, are even better.

They were still setting up when I turned up at “One World, One Love.”  The event was slated to start at 2pm, but I wanted to get a few shots before the place got crowded.  At the sight of all the figurines, however, that old bull-in-a-china-shop fear of breaking something surfaced, becoming worse when I was informed that some of the statues were priced in the thousands.  Eep!  Instead of making the rounds, I sent my designated “photographer,” Pastor Danny Liuson, to take the shots for me–walking through the exhibit would be bad enough without having to point a bulky camera in the direction of the very expensive, very breakable objects.

Beautiful breakables: Lladro turns figurines into high art.

…Which were, in fact, very beautiful.  As I cautiously made the rounds of the exhibits, I noted that Lladro’s work bore little resemblance to the mass-produced knick-knacks I had seen collecting dust in the corners of houses I visited.  These were not merely figurines: they were sculptures, made to be displayed and viewed.  Some of the sculptures were of animals, and these I found looked rather lifelike.  My favorite had to be the koi, which looked, down to the “motion” of their poses, a lot like the ones that swam around in the fountain at my school.  Lladro work was definitely not in the same class as the mass-manufactured, cheap figurines I got as party favors at baptisms and weddings.  And obviously, they weren’t “cheap” or mass-produced at all: as I came to learn later on in the program, Lladro figurines are hand-sculpted, and thus command a higher price for their uniqueness.

Still, while Lladro’s sculptures were gorgeous, a whole program (“One World, One Love” started at 2pm and ended a little after 7pm) spent just staring at them would admittedly be rather boring for me.  ”One World, One Love,” however, turned out to be far from boring.  The program was divided into three parts: an Asian Cultural Variety Show, a European Variety Show, and finally a Christmas portion, since we were fast approaching December.  While the performances were going on, Ernest Massuet worked on his sculpture of the “Cherub of Love,” while Lladro‘s Asia-Pacific Manager, Gwelie Daniellou, and Lladro representative Juan Martinez Gregorio, provided commentary and translation.  It was from this commentary that I learned why the “Cherub of Love” was so special: it was inspired by an actual baby, Ernest Massuet‘s daughter, whose birth had sparked the design and creation of an infant statue that would be the inspiration for the “Cherub of Love” itself.

Men of the hour: Sculptor Ernest Massuet and Lladro Marketing Director for the Asia-Pacific Region Juan Martinez Gregorio.

Watching someone carve a sculpture wasn’t as boring as I’d thought it would be.  I was amazed how fast the sculptor’s work went.  When he started, he made a comment that he would try to get the scuplture as finished as possible, given the short amount of time, but his hands practically flew as he did his work.  In around two hours, the basic figure of a kneeling child playing “Loves me, loves me not” with a flower–which looked more like a giant version something I’d make out of Play-doh for a diorama in grade school–was molded, chipped, scraped, and polished until it looked like a baby.

Before…

…and after:  The completed Cherub of Love pieced, based on sculptor Ernest Massuet’s infant daughter.  Cue the “awww.”

Okay, so he didn’t get the sculpture that finished by the end of the night: there were still no flower garlands around the head and arms, and no miniature flower in the cherub’s hands, as these things require a different variety of clay to make.  Still, in the span of two and a half ours the sculptor had more or less finished “The Cherub of Love”–all it needed were the aforementioned flowers and a little glaze to make it look like the finished sculpture, which was given a special unveiling after the demo one was finished.  To top it all off, they even released butterflies.  In the mall.  Admittedly, when they did that, I ducked.

Of course, the live sculpture demo was only part of the program.  Since it probably would be a bit unnerving for the sculptor to have close to a hundred pairs of eyes on him as he was working, the cultural variety show was being shown on a separate stage.  And despite the variety show not being the “main event,” having little to do with sculpture or Lladro, there was obviously a lot of effort put into what was shown onstage.  There were handbell ringers, violin performances, opera arias, duets, native dances, and even a deaf chorus à la Glee’s “Imagine.”  The latter part was not just something put in for artistic value: as part of their twentieth anniversary celebration, Imperial House of Furniture planned to donate part of the proceeds from the pieces sold at the event to the D.E.A.F. Foundation.

All the world’s onstage: Multicultural performances at Imperial House of Furniture‘s “One World, One Love” event.

A silence so loud: A still from the D.E.A.F. Foundation choir as they perform an interpretative sign-language “dance.”

Not only had Imperial House of Furniture attempted to make their presentation multicultural, but they had also managed to make it star-studded.  Also rendering special numbers that night were the hosts of Net 25‘s Chinese lifestyle show, CHINoy TV, who was covering the event.  Also adding to the glamour was stage legend Cocoy Laurel, who sang a rendition of Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose especially for Lladro’s Asia-Pacific Manager, Gwelie Daniellou, who was of French descent.  My mom, who was with me, was ever-so-slightly kilig at this part, because during her teenage years Cocoy Laurel was apparently everybody’s crush.  As for me, I was stricken with a case of LSS that still hasn’t gone away.  “Des yeux qui font baisser les miens…“

Hosts of CHINoy TV rendered a mix of Chinese and English songs.

Cocoy Laurel wows the crowd with his famous stage presence, as he performs the famous French love-anthem, La vie en rose.

The performances were not non-stop, of course.  To add to the fun was a trivia game, hosted by the night’s emcee, Imperial House of Furniture‘s Marketing and Sales Manager, Rebecca Shangkuan-Chuaunsu, quizzing the audience on Lladro funfacts and their knowledge of the world’s different languages.  Also, there was a signing event, where Lladro pieces purchased throughout the course of the program would be autographed by Ernest Massuet himself. 

A signature piece: Sculptor Ernest Massuet with Lladro‘s Asia-Pacific Manager, Gwelie Daniellou, during the autograph portion of the program.

To cap the event, representatives of Imperial Group of Companies, Ms. Carmen Garcia and Ms. Irene Garcia (daughters of its founder, the late Mr. Nemesio Garcia, and now both at the helm of the company), presented D.E.A.F. founder Rev. Aimee Ada Coryell and Lamoiyan Corporation President Dr. Cecilio Pedro with donations for D.E.A.F., after which, Dr. Pedro rendered the benediction in song form, “The Lord’s Prayer,” accompanied once again by the D.E.A.F. choir.

Gifts of thanks to Rev. Aimee Coryell from the D.E.A.F. Inc.

Representatives of Lladro, Imperial Group of Companies, and D.E.A.F. Inc onstage during the turnover of donations to D.E.A.F.

With that, the night was over.

…Not quite.

Earlier I mentioned that there was one other reason, aside from the abundance of breakables and my klutziness, that I was nervous about the “One World, One Love” event.  This reason is why I was invited in the first place: not just to blog for the event, but to perform as part of it.  And not just any part, apparently.  I was the finalé, the soundtrack to the egress of the show.  On the same stage on which Cocoy Laurel had blown the crowd away, I was tasked to end it all with a bang, quite literally, performing Katy Perry’s “Firework.”  Those who know me know that I am an alto, whereas Katy’s autotune-enhanced single is high even for sopranos.  Still, I managed.

The beginning (and possible end) of my singing career: I act as the finalé for Imperial House of Furniture‘s “One World, One Love” event.

…Barely.  Thankfully the Lladro sculptures were so beautiful that I am sure they distracted from my less-than-perfect performance.

With that, the night was over.  As my mother was part of the tech crew, I had to stay on whilst the guests left, and I got to chat with Ms. Gweilie Daniellou after the show.  The sculptor, Mr. Ernest Massuet, however, was not as available for comment–guests stayed behind to snap photos with him and Mr. Juan Martinez Gregorio, and who could blame them?  As you can see from the photos, both men were quite good-looking.  (Hee hee!)  The photo opportunities, of course, proved quite a satisfying end to a jam-packed program.  Marrying fine art to cultural performances, Imperial House of Furniture‘s “One World, One Love” program was definitely a highlight to the long weekend.

So When In Manila, and looking to scope out some gorgeous art pieces for yourself or for gifts, why not pass by the Imperial House of Furniture in EDSA Shangri-La Mall and check out the lovely Lladro pieces for yourself?  While they may be a tad bit pricey, the craftsmanship and quality that goes into them make them a definite investment piece.  And, after all, like John Keats (or Mary Poppins, take you pic) put it, “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.”

Imperial House of Furniture, Gifts, and Porcelain is found at Unit 425, Level IV, Shangri-La Plaza Mall,Shaw Boulevard corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Their Website:  http://www.imperial-house.com/

D.E.A.F. Inc.’s Website: http://www.mccidonline.net/deafinc/welcome.htm  

All photos courtesy of Danny Liuson.  Used with permission.

Lladro Unveils Its “Cherub of Love” at EDSA Shangri-La Mall with Imperial House of Furniture’s “One World, One Love” Event.

When In Manila, days really pass by so quickly, once again Christmas is here and it’s the season for a flavorful cup of coffee to beat the cold days. Lucky for me, I was able to witness the Carnivalicious launch of Seattle’s Best Coffee’s  holiday blends at Greenbelt 3 Park.

As they say, the true spirit of Christmas is giving gifts and sharing, that is why Seattle’s Best Coffee teamed up with World Vision to help send children in need, to school. And did I mention carnival? Yes you heard it right, the event was filled with clowns, jugglers, magicians plus more fun and games for the kids of World Vision.

The event was hosted by the coosome twosome, Victor Basa and Divine Lee with World Vision celebrity ambassadors – Tintin Bersola, Crystal Belo, Miriam Quiambao and Mark Nelson, who were there to share their stories and inspire everyone about sponsoring a child through WorldVision. Tintin Bersola mentioned that for only Php600 a month, we can send a child to school, and I was so amazed with Mark Nelson who sponsors 11 kids, bravo! Good thing I’ve invited my friend Jonas Serapion who also sponsors a child through World Vision, and he told me that he does receive grades and thank you letters from the kid he’s sponsoring. Other celebrities like Phoemela Barranda, Denise Laurel, Brent Javier, and David Guison, were also present to their show support for this event. 

Isn’t it nice to know that you can enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee and be able to help others at the same time? Let me introduce to you the four new flavors of Seattle’s Best Coffee that will make you say it’s Christmas! — Chocolate Cherry, Coffee Creampie, Cookies & Mint and Coffee Hazelnut. 

Everytime you buy a cup of Seattle’s Best Coffee’s holiday blends (from October 22, 2011 to January 22, 2011), a part of the proceeds will go to World Vision. And not only that, every purchase earns you a sticker for the Seattle’s Best Dream card, where only 18 stickers are needed to get a fab Seattle’s Best journal. Talk about a win win situation here. So if you’re a huge fan of coffee then 18 is just a small number, you can get as many journals as possible which you can also give out as a gift! The best part is that you can help World Vision in supporting children to achieve their dreams.

 (SBC Journal is available in brown, cobalt, green and lavander)

It was a really great day for me! Not only did I find out more about World Vision, I also got to meet and greet celebrities who are supporting such an amazing cause! Victor Basa, Divine Lee, Tintin Bersola,Crystal Belo, Miriam Quiambao, Mark Nelson,  Phoemela Barranda, Denise Laurel,Brent Javier, David Guison, and more!  

When In Manila, grab a cup of Seattle’s Best holiday coffee blends, collect the stickers, own a journal and help send a child to school — all that with just spending like a hundred bucks!

www.seattlesbest.com.ph

http://www.facebook.com/seattlesbestcoffeephilippines 

www.worldvision.org.ph

 http://www.facebook.com/wvphilippines 

‘Tis The Season For Sharing As Seattle’s Best Coffee Teamed Up With World Vision

When In Manila and looking for a worthy cause, join MTV EXIT’s fight to end exploitation and human trafficking. 

MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and trafficking) is a multi media campaign which aims to raise awareness to the issue of human trafficking. This campaign started in Europe of 2004 and have enlisted help of celebrities such as Lucy Liu, Angelina Jolie, and musicians like Radiohead, The Killlers, Muse and Click Five.

To date, this campaign has expanded throughout Asia and continues to spread the message through free concerts, documentaries, music videos, PSA’s, and youth forums. 

MTV EXIT, in partnership with USAID and AusAID, has announced it’s return to the Philippines for it’s fight against exploitation. On October 29, a free Live concert will be held at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds for the benefit and awareness of the human trafficking issue. 

During the MTV EXIT Media Conference held yesterday, notable people in the campaign explained to us the gravity of this issue. This issue alone affects 2.5 million people worldwide, majority of which are either from Asia or in Asia. 

Opening remarks by Matt Love.

“We are excited to return to the Philippines to inspire youth to take action against this critical issue. MTV EXIT Live in Manila harnesses the power and influence of music to bring together international and local artists in solidarity with youth across the Philippines to fight against this problem affecting millions of people worldwide”

 Following Matt Love was a list of influential and prominent speakers all ready to give their time, effort and support for this MTV EXIT cause: 

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Chair of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) spoke next.

Reed Aeschliman Acting Mission Director for the U.S. Embassy Philippines.

Elaine Ward, AusAID Counsellor representing the Australian Embassy Philippines

Jerome Alcantara, Head of Policy Center from the Visayan Forum Foundation Philippines, an MTV EXIT NGO Partner.

After the speakers, there was an exclusive screening of the new documentary Enslaved: An MTV EXIT Special (Hosted by Dingdong Dantes). This is the third in a 12 part documentary series. This will be aired on November 27, 9:55 pm on the GMA News TV Channel 11.

As part of their awareness campaign, all these documentaries are made royalty free. People are encouraged to watch and distribute copies to reach more people.

The last speaker was Dingdong Dantes, MTV EXIT Ambassador to the Philippines.

After MTV EXIT celebrity endorser Dingdong Dantes spoke, they played a screening of the MTV EXIT Live in Manila Concert Promo.

Performances by Jay Park, Evaline, Parokya ni Edgar, Pupil, Ebe Dancel, and Itchyworms

October 29

SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

Free tickets are available online through www.facebook.com/astroplus1

When In Manila, it’s time to get involved with these issues that happen right before our very eyes. One key point was highlighted in this whole conference: that a  single person, can still make a difference.

MTV EXIT shows that awareness is the first step. Now it’s up to all of us to spread the word. 

With Matt Love, Campaign Director of MTV EXIT and Vince Golangco, Editor-in-Chief of WhenInManila.com

MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and trafficking)

www.facebook.com/mtvexit

www.mtvexit.org

Twitter @mtvexit

MTV EXIT Free Concert

Performances by Jay Park, Evaline, Parokya ni Edgar, Pupil, Ebe Dancel, and Itchyworms

October 29

SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

Free tickets are available online through www.facebook.com/astroplus1

MTV and Dingdong Dantes for MTV EXIT: End Exploitation and Trafficking Free Concert 

When In Manila, paint your support for our animal friends! Nail-a-holics Nail Salon & Spa, the country’s biggest chain of nail salon, has its own fair share in promoting awareness in animal welfare by coming up with a campaign entitled “ANAILMALISTIC! Faux Fabulous Nail Prints for a Real, Worthy Cause.”

ANAILMALISTIC – Faux Fabulous Nail Prints for a Real, Worthy Cause

In celebration of World Animal Month this October, Nailaholics Nail Salon & Spa pledged to give 10% of the proceeds of the Anailmalistic promo to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to help shelter animals. A little goes a long way for every animal print nail art availed in any of the 28 branches of Nailaholics Nail Salon & Spa nationwide as proceeds will help PAWS perform its mandate of fighting for the welfare and human treatment of animals. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is a volunteer-based non-government organization whose goal is to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy. The organization runs entirely on donations from generous donors and volunteers.

Creatively painted by skilled nail artists, Intricate designs such as zebra, leopard, tiger, giraffe, dog and cat paw prints on your nails can spice up any wardrobe and serve as an astounding accessory to any get-up. Make more than just a fashion statement with your fingertips through these wearable works of art! 

When In Manila, show your support for PAWS and our furry friends by getting some fierce “Anailmalistic” art done on your nails by Nail-a-Holics Nail Salon and Spa! 

Anailmalistic runs for the whole month of October. For more promo details and information on Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, please visit www.nailaholics.com, facebook.com/nailaholics or twitter.com/nailaholicslove.

To know more about The Philippine Animal Welfare Society  PAWS, its advocacies and other ways you can help, please visit www.paws.org.ph.

Nail-a-holics Nail Salon & Spa and PAWS Teams Up with Animalistic Nails

How Do You Live a Positive Life?

When In Manila, if you think happiness is all about just having the best things in life come to you, then you’re probably the type who gets stressed out whenever something doesn’t go according to plan. You know what this means—stuff like, missing the train or the bus during rush hour, spilling coffee on your new shirt, getting a flat tire during a long road trip. Or maybe, something as serious as finding out your best friend is HIV-positive. Or maybe, even you.

Whatever problems you have for the moment, cheer up — Yoga For Life, the first ever community-based yoga class series designed for people affected by HIV in different ways, wants you to take on a personal mission to live a happy, well-rounded life. The yogis and yoginis from Yoga For Life encourage you to begin your own advocacy to live with a positive outlook, and sharing that positivism to the world—which you can start by helping others use love and happiness against HIV.

“We at Yoga For Life wish to challenge everyone to imbibe the spirit of living positively and living well in our newest awareness campaign,” says Charmaine Cu-Unjieng, Yoga For Life co-founder. Through Yoga For Life’s “Living Positively + Living Well” movement, individuals from all walks of life are called to add their voice to the growing number of advocates rallying for positivism and uniting against HIV.

To do this, the group will be conducting a two-part open photoshoot on October 22 and 29 at the Pioneer Studios, Mandaluyong City to capture each individual’s story and advocacy. The photos and stories shared in this event will be featured in a photo exhibition, to coincide with the Pride March in December.

Participants in the open photoshoot will get their professionally-shot portraits by photographer Noel Abelardo, and a special Yoga for Life “Living Positively + Living Well” shirt. During the event, specially-trained peer counselors from The Love Yourself Project (TLYP) will offer free counseling as well.

Proceeds to the event will be used for further skills training of YFL members, as the group expands its program to reach more people affected by HIV. “With this movement, we want to inspire people everywhere to live and spread a positive, healthy outlook in life—whatever circumstances they are in,” ends Yoga for Life co-founder Paulo Leonido.

When In Manila, to participate in Yoga For Life’s “Living Positively + Living Well” movement, or for any inquiries regarding the event, contact Charmaine Cu-Unjieng at 0917.5404247, or Paulo Leonido at 0917.3889658. You may also post your queries at their facebook page, facebook.com/yogaforlife.ph. Visit www.yogaforlife.ph for more information. 

Open Photoshoot for the Living Positively + Living Well Campaign Philippines

When In Manila and looking for some good old fashioned Playboy fun, watch out for the next Playboy Philippines event!

After spending hours through Manila’s Friday night traffic, I finally found myself at Elements, Centris. It was here that this years’ Playboy Rock the Rabbit event was held. This was done for the benefit of kidney patients from the Philippine General Hospital and the Quirino Memorial Medical Center.

It was a pretty interesting night with Beer Below Zero being sold for P100 for two cups. Fun!

There was even a corner where you could get yourself a tattoo. Free bunny henna tattoos for guests from Fineline Tattoo.

Playboy bunnies entertained the crowd before the bands started. You could even pose for photos.

There was a long list of bands who were going to play for the night. This included Sinosikat, Deep Projek, Maria Cafra, Typecast, The Camerawalls, Tanya Markova, Roochies, Kadangyan, Quennie Smith, Bloomfields, Hatankaru, Final Vow, Bonifacio Republic, and of course the king of Filipino rock himself, Pepe Smith.

By the time that Pepe Smith went on, we were able to get to the VIP area for a better view. Guests here had an open bar to themselves.

Some more Playboy hotties taking the stage to promote their issues.

And these Playmates were everywhere!

This event was sponsored by Beer Below Zero, JACK TV, Business Mirror, Givesback Foundation, Odyssey Live, Odysseymusic Video and UR 105.9 Face Radio.

That was an excitement filled night with good music and pretty faces, Playboy style. So When In Manila and looking for an interesting party, check out Playboy Philippines events!

Playboy Philippines

http://www.playboyph.com/

http://www.facebook.com/PBPhilippines

Playboy Philippines Rock the Rabbit Concert 2011 Event

When In Manila, it’s time to support the foundations, charities, and sustainable living projects that are making a positive difference in the lives of people.

I was drawn to this amazing story about finding the light, in the darkest and most unusual places… from an empty soda bottle.

Isang Litrong Liwanag (A Liter of Light), is a sustainable lighting project which aims to bring the eco-friendly Solar Bottle Bulb to disprivileged communities nationwide. Designed and developed by students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Solar Bottle Bulb is based on the principles of Appropriate Technologies – a concept that provides simple and easily replicable technologies that address basic needs in developing communities.

A Liter of Light is a program inspired by many innovations from around the world. Many cultures have used glass bottles to allow lighting through the roof, and Alfredo Moser from Brazil began experimenting with plastic bottles.

MyShelter Foundation was established by our founder and executive director Illac Diaz to create a system of sustainability and reliability through its capability-building and employment-generating projects. Introducing groundbreaking social enterprise, appropriate technologies, and alternative construction in the Philippines, we have pioneered projects such as the Pier One Seafarer’s Dormitory, the Design Against the Elements (DAtE) competition, and the Bottle School Project.

When In Manila, or anywhere in the world, to help out the A Liter of Light / Isang Litrong Liwanag foundation, check out their website

http://isanglitrongliwanag.org/

A Liter of Light / Isang Litrong Liwanag: Making the World a Brighter Place, One Bottle at a Time

When In Manila…. or When In Mindanao, be sure to check out the 3rd Global Business Conference – Social Media: The New Business and Marketing Frontier in Koronadal City.

I’m (Vince Golangco) so excited to be one of the speakers for this big event! There will be over 1,500 students there attending this conference on Social Media.

At this social media conference, I’ll be discussing how you can succeed and earn from the power of the internet. I’ll be talking about tips on how to create a successful blog and why you should take your brand and yourself online NOW!

Thanks so much to the Association of Training Institutions for Foreign Trade in Asian and the Pacific (ATIFTAP) and also to the Green Valley College Foundation (GVCF). Of course, huge thanks to our Master of Ceremonies Lysa Sanchez!

Joining me as speakers at this social media summit are:

Jose Luis Liongson speaking about the “Online Brand Gap: The Gap Between Brand and Execution”

Direk Gino Jose explaining how to “Get Seen Online: How Social Media Helps Promote Oneself”

and

Rodelin Malones discussing “Corporate Responsibility and its Impact on Global Business”

When In Koronadal, join us on Sept 26, 2011 at The Farm Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City.

Register at admin@atiftap.org or info @greenvalleyph.com

Call (02) 567-1539 or 63 8322897 for more info about this social media event.

3rd Global Business Conference – Social Media: The New Business and Marketing Frontier with Vince Golangco

When in Manila, Jane Walker’s  PCF Container Van schools in Tondo tell a story that I could not ignore. WhenInManila was invited for the opening of PCF school in the infamous area of Smokey Mountain, Tondo.

It was not an easy subject to write about…. The location of this school is the north harbor port-side of Manila. A place where sea-men from far-off countries must have dis-embarked centuries ago… and holla-ed “Land!!!” But now Tondo is looked upon as the underbelly of the Philippine capital–where poverty is wedded to crime and disease.

 My driver said he doesn’t know where Balut is. “TONDO? Why do you want to  go to Tondo?”, he asked irritated.

‘Jane Walker, a citizen of UK has founded Philippine Christian Foundation or PCF which has opened a school for 1000 children living in Tondo and neighboring dump-sites. We are going there.’ I explained.

 As we made our way out of the suburbanite Manila to Makati proper and further around the old city of Intramuros and beyond…it was like we were on a rewind journey.

I am a foreigner trying to make sense of my host country Manila … and for us Manila’s land’s- end is the sun-set at Manila Bay or a tonga-ride tour of the Intramuros. 

Philippine Christian Foundation’s school made out of recycling old container vans in Balut lies much beyond the fifty-storey glass and steel ,behind the cheap night stay hotels and the Manila Bay walkway. But it is incredibly well-connected to the main city and I had a feeling that its inhabitants count. Their own church, prostitution quarters, five to six storey apartments even. Banana vendors, a bunch of boys without vests suddenly running between the street as I tried to zoom in my camera on girls in bright and tight tees and shorts. They were a vote-bank no government can over-look. 

Coming from India with its ‘Slum-dog Millionaire’ brand of crime and poverty, the spectacle of Manila poverty looked comparatively well-off. The meanest shanties had a window and the meanest window had a row of hangers jutting out with clothes to dry in a neat fall….aaah the un-taught sense of personal aesthetics!

This must just be the surface of Tondo of today, that is counted by the governments. But our car was soon enough encountering piles of garbage and a scummy river-bank. And the stench was getting stronger. Little kids, just like in India, were rummaging through the heaps of plastic bottles and other trash to look for what they might sell or eat. Its never a pretty sight. Kids absolutely should not be here, I said. “Watch your camera. Roll the window up. You saw those kids? They just snatched something from that car and ran!” the driver pointed out.

It was really weird. I yanked the camera under my seat and instantly wished that the car had dark screen windows. But as it was…we were off the main road and entered the lanes running parallel to the waters with scum and trash afloat. Shanties that were now visible were half-submerged in the water that obviously couldn’t be clean. I felt my privilege…not to be born to that poverty and circumstance. . .

One such moment must have caught at the British  national, Jane Walker’s conscience, I felt. She left her country and a high-profile sales job in UK, and decided to make a difference at a place she just came by.

 When I asked Jane’s Communication Manager, Bea Raya

 “What is PCF’s story and  and who are its beneficiary communities?” her answer was non-direct:

 “ I think it would be a great idea if you could  see the dump site (in Tondo) so you can better understand the plight the children and families are in.”( and HOW right she was!)

 ME:I understand that you are associated with a cause that is both challenging and value-creating… Can you please tell me what is the ‘container van school’ angle of PCF, before I come over?

Bea’s Reply:  “PCF initially started as a day care center. It was really Jane Walker’s dream to educate children and keep them away from working in the dump site.

In 2003, PCF moved to a dilapidated warehouse and opened a regular school from pre-school until Grade 6. The area where the warehouse was situated was very poor. It’s beside an open dump site so the stench of the garbage was present throughout the day. The area flooded easily: canceling classes because of it.  Other problems in the area were the mosquitoes, poor ventilation, and lack of security.

Jane always wanted to move to a better location and with the help of the wife of then British Ambassador, Mrs. Jill Beckingham, PCF secured a lot from the National Housing Authority. Jane got the idea of using recycled container vans because PCF was very near the port area and she saw so many unused container vans stacked together left to rot. This was how PCF’s Container School started. The dream is still the same: to educate as many children from the dump site as possible so that they may get good jobs and escape the cycle of poverty that they are in.”

Here is an excerpt from a Philippines newspaper, dated five years ago:

METRO,  JUNE 27, 2006 (STAR) By Sandy Araneta – A British non-government organization (NGO) may have a solution to the Philippines’ chronic shortage of classrooms, especially in Metro Manila’s poorest areas: school buildings made from container vans.

Five years after that  idea’s inception, on august 30th,when I reached the school site: it was already a dream materialized. It was a place of good will. A clean white building with wide corridors and clean comfort rooms.  Unless one looks up at the roofing, it gives no clue that it is made out of shipping containers. 

It was like any other school. Except for the wall plaques outside every class-room. Rooms in the school are dedicated to the donors who have funded the construction. The International schools like ABC, KSPACE, ISM,BSM, TIS and Willowbrook; Australian Emb!!assy; Hyder, Archion Architects; prestigious clubs like Rotary, SHOM and IBF and several service-providers have supported this initiative. And easy it could not have been….to attract this much support from the expat community in Philippines! 

These exactly were the sentiments shared by Geoff Lucraft as he made the closing remarks: ‘ Its a miracle…to get through everyday.’ It has been rather challenging for PCF — getting the land to set-up container vans, paying for electricity but having the cables stolen by squatters, parents reluctant to send their children initially, furniture and supplies disappearing. Jane and her supporters have been steadfast, though and now seem to have won the hearts of their beneficiaries.

At the moment only the poorest families with more than 10 members, children who are orphaned or have single parent or disabled  care-giver are admitted to this school that has space for only 1,000. The school runs two shifts: before and after lunch ones. And there is a shuttle service to transport the students. Its two stories are dedicated to class rooms and labs, and the third one has a livelihood section.

When we went up to the third floor, we saw Tondo’s women inhabitants making bags, belts and other fashion accessories out of ring-pulls of soda cans and from glossy magazine paper!  These were refined accessories created from absolute waste….More recycling…more life…more autonomy to the individuals.

I was witnessing a sustainability act put-together in Philippines, but it was also an act of human empathy and sharing. PCF is an excellent prototype: an example, of what could be done locally, by the locals, for the locals. And being so easy… classroom walls made out of unused, re-usable large and strong cargo container sides why wasn’t it done more often ? Why just schools?……Whole shanties can be redone, and more schools, clinics, homes built using this exemplary running facility!  

To this effect, Geoff Lucraft made a public appeal: to contribute for individual and corporate support for sponsoring the teacher’s salaries, food packets and tuition fees. While the school in Balut runs from Grade Prep to Grade 6, PCF has a similar school in Baguio; where it sponsors 130 children who were affected by the landslide, and in the Navotas Cemetery where 200 kids are taken care of.

The holiday season is approaching and it will be well-worth going up to see these facilities and pitch in resources and time.

They say: ‘Charity begins at home.’ Its funny that there actually are no rules…and ‘Our hearts have reasons that Reason does not know’. Please pass this blog post on to friends and corporate sponsors.   For more information and donations please log in to

info@pcf.ph and www.pcf.ph  

 PCF Container Van School in Tondo’s garbage burning site: Smokey Mountain

The Rockwell Community, composed of Rockwell Land, Rockwell Club, Power Plant Mall and the Rockwell Center, invites everyone to Love Japan – a one-of-a-kind bazaar and auction on July 23-24, 2011 for the benefit of Japan’s rehabilitation following the devastating earthquake earlier this year.

The Rockwell Community, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy, is putting together the Love Japan project to raise funds for the Japanese citizens and the rehabilitation of their country. All the funds raised will be donated through the Japanese Embassy. =)

Check out the celebrity-item charity auction on July 24! Pre-loved luxury goods are up for grabs for Rockwell’s friends in film, fashion and society!

So this weekend, shop, dine, bid and show how we Love Japan!

Rockwell invites you to Love Japan Bazaar Celebrity Charity this Weekend!

When in Manila, allowed me to share the story of the Zamboanga Funds for Little Kids.

In my blog post in The Little Fund, I invited every Pinoy to start their own little funds that will help people from any part of the Philippines.  It only takes some imagination to help out our poor brothers and sisters who are struggling to provide themselves a better life.

Last October 30, 2010, I was privileged to be in Zamboanga City to address 100 bloggers from all across Mindanao about the role of New Media in Nation-Building.  Along the sidelines of the summit, I heard the story of the little kids in Layag-Layag, Brgy. Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City, who swim just to be able to go to school – the story really touched me and upon returning to Manila the next day, I updated my Facebook status by telling the story of those brave little kids.

A good friend, Marketing guru, Josiah Go, picked up on the story and started a mini-fundraising campaign right there and then.  And so the story of the Zamboanga Funds for Little Kids began.  With a little as over 7 days, our online campaign, raised almost P70,000 ($1,618).  While we were raising the funds, I contacted a local supporter of the President, Tzu Chi Foundation volunteer Anton Lim, so that we can already assess what we could do with the money we raised for the kids.  We eventually decided on building them a boat.

It took five (5) months to complete the project from finding the boat-maker to buying the materials to the actual building of the boat and to the eventual turn-over to the community in Layag-Layag.

I was there during the boat turn-over last March 27, 2011 where I was surprised to see over 200 kids enrolled in various levels in the Talon-Talon Elementary School in Zamboanga City.

When in Manila the next day, Josiah Go, helped me realize that our project achieved more than just building those kids a boat – because of the project, Christians and Buddhists came together to build Muslim elementary students a boat.  It is a symbol of unity for our nation.  It is a symbol of the new hope we are seeing under this new administration – a brotherhood (or sisterhood) without borders (solutions to problems bridged through a Facebook status update).  I hope it inspires you to help your community in your own little way too. (Story by Jay Jaboneta; Thanks to all the donors of the Zamboanga Funds for Little Kids project.)

Christians and Buddhists raised funds and built Muslim kids a boat